DRM402H1 Advanced Directing

An exploration of advanced directing for the theatre. The class is centered on student directed short productions, which are publicly presented at the end of term. Emphasis is placed on strong dramaturgical readings, imagination, collaboration, and creativity. The DRM402H1 Directors' Showcase in Fall 2026 will be a series of student-directed 15-minute scenes/short plays. Students will be required to attend rehearsals and be in performances scheduled outside of class time. Schedules will be provided well in advance.

2026 Application dates

  • March10, 2026: Apply online by selecting DRM402H. 

  • April 10, 2026: Upload your DRM402H Application Materials to this Dropbox Folder.

Pre-requisites 

  • Specialist or Major in Drama with a minimum of 70% in the following: DRM220Y1, and DRM302H1; Letter of Interest & Director’s LookBook (outlined below).

  • You may be asked to attend a follow-up interview to discuss your letter of interest.

  • DRM331H1 Dramaturgy is recommended, but it can be taken as a co-requisite if accepted.

How Does the Showcase Work?

The concept of the Directors' Showcase is to work within the restrictions you might experience in your first foray into the professional world, namely at a Fringe Festival. At these festivals there are strict time constraints in terms of length of play and because the changeovers between shows is very short. Similarly, there are also constraints in terms of set, lighting, projections, and sound — constraints that are very useful as you learn how to be an effective director.    

You might be an experienced director, or you might be directing for the very first time. The course is open to all of you. You will be mentored by your instructor and other professionals to work with your level of skill, and you will also work in a team with your fellow student directors. 

Note: Students will select scenes/short plays in collaboration with the instructor and other students in the course. Considerations will include student interests, and other parameters common in festival format programming. 

Application Materials: Letter of Interest & LookBook

Your one-page Letter of Interest (approximately 250 words) should include: 

  • Your full name, student number, e-mail;  
  • Your year of study in 2026-27 and confirmation that you have completed the following prerequisites by April 2026: DRM220Y1, DRM302H1 and if you have taken DRM331H1;   
  • A statement addressing the reasons you want to take the course and your interest in directing; 
  • A paragraph outlining the types of plays you are curious to direct – i.e. Contemporary, period plays, comedy, drama, realist, post dramatic. Examples of plays and playwrights are welcomed. This paragraph is to give the committee a sense of your interests; it is not a commitment to what you will do;  
  • Describe your previous experience as a director, or, if you have none, describe anything else you have done on/ for the stage — whether you were an actor, a stage manager, a props builder, a lighting designer, a playwright;    
  • If you have little to no experience in theatre, describe other work you have done in the arts or the performing arts — making films or choreographing dance, for example;  
  • Address the letter to "DRM402H Selection Committee"  

LookBook 

  • Submit five pages from your DRM 202 or 302 Directors' Book (LookBook). One of those pages should be your Concept for the Production (that you submitted in DRM202 or DRM302). The other four pages are your choice: select those that show your ability to prepare for a production. 
     

How To Submit Your Application Materials: 

  • Upload a PDF attachment saved as yourname_402submission. 
  • If you cannot combine the Letter and LookBook pages into one 6-page PDF, upload the LookBook separately saved as yourname_lookbook.  
  • Both your Letter and LookBook pages are due to Dropbox by 11:59pm on April 10, 2026.

Please note

  • Students will be notified of their acceptance by email in late-May once all grades are entered.